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Submissive #13.6

The Pretender

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Nathaniel thought he was simply hiring a new executive. Instead, he might have put into motion the beginning of the end.

Nathaniel and Abby West return in a novella from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series that brings more of the unpredictable antics and sensual sexy times the couple is known for.

Ellery Manne is Nathaniel’s newest hire. As CIO, she soon has a reputation of being cold and impersonal. Nathaniel believes she’s only introverted and hasn’t had a chance to meet new people since her recent move across country. To help, he and Abby invite Ellery and her husband over for dinner.

After a disastrous dinner and a seemingly accidental meeting at a local BDSM club, the Wests soon learn the newest couple in town isn’t at all what they appear to be. Finding out the truth about them is turning out to be harder than anticipated for Nathaniel. However, he’s a patient man and has no trouble waiting for the truth to reveal itself. He has time.

Until one phone call from Abby brings time to a halt.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

23 people are currently reading
280 people want to read

About the author

Tara Sue Me

71 books2,852 followers

NEW YORK TIMES/USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Even though she graduated with a degree in science, Tara knew she’d never be happy doing anything other than writing. Specifically, writing love stories.

She started with a racy BDSM story and found she was not quite prepared for the unforeseen impact it would have. Nonetheless, she continued and The Submissive Series novels would go on to be both New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers. One of those, THE MASTER, was a 2017 RITA finalist for Best Erotic Romance.

Now she is focusing on new contemporary romances that allow her the freedom to write and publish on her own schedule.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
77 (46%)
4 stars
42 (25%)
3 stars
29 (17%)
2 stars
15 (8%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Mitch C..
465 reviews46 followers
June 14, 2022
Stalker alert.

Nathaniel and Abby has met a couple who turned out to be their stalkers.

Uhm, yikes.

Profile Image for Raven 🖤.
333 reviews
November 26, 2025
*3.75. Nathaniel and Abby had a stalker in this one. I actually felt so bad for them in this story. Not much else to say about it, it was ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,095 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2021
What a great surprise to have a novella to catch up on one of my favorite couples! Boy have I missed them. It is a quick story that you will get caught up in and unable to put down.

This book has everything you would want and more…friendship, love, uncertainty, twist, steaminess and mystery. I love how as much as Nathaniel would like to think he’s perfect…these characters have flaws. They are redeemable, but it’s great to see it written in a mature way and not with drama and a weak partner. One may struggle or feel hurt, but still has a backbone and respect…maybe a little bit stronger one than her Dom?!?!

I have a feeling this mystery will be woven into a future story…
Profile Image for De Reese Robinson.
394 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2021
Feels like coming g home

It has been a long time since I read a book, let alone one from the the Submissive Series. It felt like I came home and was hanging out with old friends. Tara She Me knows how to capture your attention and take you to another place filled with wonder. Nathaniel and Abby has never let me down and this couple continues to amaze me but can they continue to conquer all the odds? Give this book a read to find out!
1,652 reviews8 followers
December 16, 2021
Another great novella in this series!

I feel sated because I got another fix of Nathanial and Abby. How I love this couple to bits. You can feel the love coming off them for each other in droves. There is a bit of mystery and suspense in this one. Lots of steam, too. They wouldn’t be who they are if there wasn’t steam between them. This is a great addition to this series. You won’t be disappointed in the least.
12 reviews
December 26, 2021
I have been looking forward to reading another book in this series and always considered this series my favorite series and Tara my favorite author but this book was a huge let down, very few originals involved, very short novella, one of her worst books. To wait as long as I did for this book of 67 kindle pages major disappointment. Yes I have read her other novellas and always been very pleased with Tara's writings.
Profile Image for Madhurima Kashyap.
32 reviews
July 1, 2022
As much as love Abby and Nathaniel, there were few things that were missing from the novella.
A. I would love to how they communicated with Luke after the incident and what agreements were made by Nathaniel that Abby voiced out.
B. Ohh, how bad I wanted to dig deeper into the sting operation they did on Vincent.
C. the ending was rushed. It felt like the author realized it will probably stretched into novel so lets reach the end.
So many more things were left and after an eternity I finally read about Jackson and Felicia.
I wish it was novel more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cherise Isabella.
410 reviews31 followers
March 27, 2023
I'm so sorry but this was a definite no for me, I know it was supposed to be a novella but it felt rushed, unrealistic and unfinished. I've always loved Nathaniel and Abby's journey, in fact I've read other Novellas by Tara Sue Me and I've loved most if not all of the Submissive series, including a couple from the Lessons From The Rack series but this one was a huge let down for me. On a positive note I'm still glad to see Nathaniel and Abby going strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for C.
306 reviews
January 12, 2022
Always love catching up with Nathaniel and Abby. Their bond and connection is one of a kind. This story kept me on the edge of my seat forcing me to read it in one sitting. This series is a favorite and love when former characters in other books come to visit. Interesting story line to the past for Nathaniel, so creative. Loved this!
Profile Image for Maureen.
388 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2022
I liked this book, but it could have been so much better as a full-length novel. Too much information was crammed in so little pages. It was over within a blink. Bringing in more of the original characters and stretching out chapters and giving more information would have been better. The plot was great, I just wanted so much more.
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
934 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2022
Another Addition to the Submissive Series…

I have loved reading the submissive series so was a little surprised with this little instalment to the series and just another taste of the love and chemistry that is between Nathaniel and Abby West…
With a stalker now tainting their lives I loved the feelings and communication that have kept this couples relationship strong…
Profile Image for Elizabeth Swain.
1,022 reviews28 followers
December 20, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read

Nathaniel and Abby get another story and I for one loved every moment. This story actually follows their previous novella story and is filled with intrigue and a new problem that needs fixing.

Loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Γιώτα Παπαδημακοπούλου.
Author 6 books385 followers
August 18, 2025
Ακόμα μία νουβέλα που αφορά τους Abby και Nathaniel, με το ζευγάρι να μπλέκει σε... περιπέτειες, όταν πέφτουν θύματα stalking ενός άλλου ζευγαριού που ανήκει στην BDSM κοινότητα. Πολύ σκοτεινό, με τον λάθος τρόπο, όμως, καταφέρνοντας τελικά να γίνει περισσότερο δυσάρεστο, παρά αγωνιώδες.
Profile Image for Arin Baur.
587 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2022
I love seeing this awesome couple again very grateful and amazing!!
Profile Image for Ellen.
391 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2024
Throughly enjoyable, but rather short I thought
199 reviews
June 17, 2025
Abby & Nat

Tara Sue Me is a great writer and tells magnificent stories. I can’t wait to read another story with Abby & Nat and the other couples they know. I love series like this
Profile Image for Betsy.
934 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2023
Kindle

Reread. I may have been a little harsh with my rating, but this did nothing for me. A series of deus ex machina not very well done. A woman just happened to be in the same line of work as Nathaniel & found a job with him & her husband was obsessed with him? No one knows about the West’s lifestyle except the club members that are sworn to secrecy, but somehow the obsessed man just shows up? All potential club members have to give references except this guy? Just too many coincidences in a too short novella.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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